If making your own pizza dough seems intimidating, it shouldn't! you can do it and it is SO tasty. Here's the recipe that I've been using... the key: Whole Wheat Pastry Flour.

DIY Pizza Dough

Yield 2 (14-inch) pizza crusts or 6 single serve pizzas

Ingredients:

4 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour*

1 teaspoon sugar

1 envelope instant/rapid dry yeast

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 1/2 cups water at 110 degrees F

2 tablespoons olive oil

Non-stick cooking spray

*A quick note on flour choices: Another option that works really well is white wheat flour, which is a whole grain and has a lighter wheat taste and texture! Also if 100% whole wheat isn't your preference, try a blend for example: half wheat flour and half all-purpose flour.

Directions:

1. Start by combining 4 cups of the flour in a mixing bowl. Then add the sugar, yeast, and salt and mix to combine. Note: use the dough hook attachment for your stand mixer.

2. Using a thermometer, check the temperature of the water, it needs to 110 degrees F for the yeast to get activated properly. If the temperature isn't correct (too hot or cold), your dough may not rise.

2. When the mixer is running on low, slowly add the 100 degrees F water and continue to beat/mix the mixture until the dough starts to form into a ball.

Once the water is all added, let the dough beat/mix for 30 seconds - 1 minute and check the texture of the dough. If the dough feels sticky to the touch, add in additional flour one tablespoon at a time and beat/mix the dough between additions. If the dough feels too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time. Note: I usually add an extra 2 - 3 tablespoons of flour, my dough is typically not too dry.

The the dough should be ready to form into a ball.

3. Transfer the dough to a cutting board that is lightly dusted with flour and with your hands, gently knead the dough until it is in a nice firm ball shape (like pictured above).

4. Spray a large bowl with non-stick cooking spray, add the dough, and cover with a piece of plastic wrap. Then let the bowl sit in a warm spot in your kitchen and let the dough sit one hour, it will double in size.

5. Once the dough is doubled, transfer it onto a floured cutting board/working surface and gently knead it. Then cut the dough into 2 equal parts or six smaller parts if you're making individual pizzas.

Follow the pizza preparation method of your choice like grilling or baking! See the below tips for grilling pizza.

Grilling Pizza Tips

Grilled pizza is so yummy! It works best for single-serve pizzas. Although, my husband is the one who does the grilling of the pizza, here are some tips for how to grill pizza:

Using a grill pan/screen, place one piece of the dough onto the grill pan/screen. Allow the dough to grill until it is lightly browned. Then flip the dough and top the grilled side of the dough with sauce and cheese. Allow the cheese to melt and the other side of the dough to grill. Then remove the pizza and place it on a baking sheet.

Repeat!

Serving suggestion: Serve with a large salad topped with plenty of your favorite veggies!